Akaroa Development Plan

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32358, 25 July 1970, Page 1

Akaroa Development Plan

A scheme to erect a community centre (with Government subsidy) by closing Church Street which runs off the waterfront near the Bruce Hotel, a block of six motels (about to start) parallel to the waterfront, and a two-storey beginning to the new Bruce Hotel, parallel to the waterfront, are contained in the Environmental Plan studied by the Akaroa Civic Trust last evening.

It is the first Environmental Plan concept in New Zealand. Already at least foui’ other small towns have shown great interest in the idea. The plan for Akaroa envisages the future development of the entire township.

The plan (shown in picture) depicts that portion of the township facing the waterfront at the southern end. The community, centre and conference and exhibition rooms are sited in Church Street The street would become a car park and pedestrian mall. The plan provides for a balcony-type and outdoor cafe, a licensed restaurant to be built above the existing coffee house. The owner of the Bruce Hotel (Mr D. L. Clark) has agreed, in principle to the idea of building the first stage of a new hotel. Major Points Mr A. Brasell is already on the way to altering the external appearance of his waterfront block of .flats in keeping with the proposed plan; Mr B. Woods, of Christchurch, has accepted a plan which sites his motels (about to be built) and their external appearance to fit within the plan. The major points are: siting parallel to the waterfront, steep - pitched roofs, and square windows, new buildings to be in white concrete block.

The plan provides sites for more blocks of motels, and a parking site, with a pedestrian way behind the buildings facing the waterfront leading from the hotel environs to a courtyard near the coffee house. On Exhibition The Environmental Plan, coming within the Town and Country Planning Act and regulations, will be on exhibition in Akaroa until November, and any person can approach the Civic Trust

Board members with suggestion's to improve the plan.

Under the Environmental Plan the whole of Akaroa township will become a con-ditional-use sone. The Environmental Plan for the township would become part of the Akaroa County Council’s district planning scheme, which must be lodged with the Government by January. The Environmental Plan concept, drawn up by the architectural consultants to the Akaroa Civic Trust, Beaven, Hunt and Associates, of Christchurch, is based on the premise that the wishes of the local people are paramount The broad objectives are: Economic.—To stimulate the economic life of the town; to increase Akaroa’s accommodation for visitors—with a target of 150 additional beds within four years—and to gain wide publicity for Akaroa, Social.—To concern itself with activities which will attract a large number of new residents on a permanent basis of the type that will respect and love the quality of life in Akaroa. Atmosphere.—To highlight and preserve the quaint, partly-French visual character of the town and to encourage unification of the architectural styles of all future buildings. Special at.

tention will be given to harmonious colour schemes, and other moves designed to safe guard the over-all harmony of the visual attractions of the town.

Recreation. To create more things to do at Akaroa —with emphasis on the sea. This involves a new beach at the south end of the waterfront, better boat facilities, and the development of other public domains. Recommendations under the plan include: Approaches to the State Advances Corporation to build four houses for workers (because of the steeply rising property prices brought about by persons seeking holiday homes and homes in which to retire), such houses to differ externally from normal State houses to fit in with the Environmental Plan.

Approaches for loan money to build pensioners’ cottages, such cottages to be built to fit in the overall plan. The natural bush and hill slopes round the town not to be substantially altered so that the pastoral appearance is predominant; bush walks, some seats, and a pavilion on a panoramic knob to be constructed. Colour schemes, to be displayed in a permanent exhibition for roofs, walls and trims, for all new buildings and homes; and existing dwellings, when repainted, to be harmonised. The plan recommends the introduction of cottage industries and arts and crafts manufacturing, in small buildings suitably constructed with external appearance in character with the town.